LONG-SERVING members of the Gloucester Great Lakes NSW Rural Fire Service were honoured in a medal ceremony in Tuncurry on Saturday 6 August.

Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead was in attendance on behalf of Hon. David Elliott MP, Minister for Emergency Services.

Mr Bromhead joined Superintendent Jim Blackmore, Manager Gloucester Great Lakes District, and Mid Coast Council’s Katherine Smith to present the medals to worthy recipients.

“What a tremendous day and one that I was extremely lucky to be part of,” Mr Bromhead said.

“Some members of this brigade have been loyal fire fighters since the early days. People who’ve seen this brigade grow and flourish into the highly regarded community asset it is today.

“In fact, between the medal recipients there is an accumulative 318 years of service,” he said.

Robert Colgan Gore received a National Medal for his 15 years of service while Col McCarthy was honoured with a National Medal 1st Clasp for 25 years committed to the RFS.

Thirteen long service medals were awarded on the day, including to Bruce Gilbert of Gloucester Brigade, Trevor Wilson of Booral Brigade, Loretta Heap of Great Lakes Catering Brigade, Jason Donkin of Stroud Brigade, Steve Charmichael of Pindimar/Tea Gardens Brigade, David Edwards of Gloucester Brigade, David Millsteed of Gloucester Great Lakes and formerly Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, Dennis Wamsley of Gloucester Brigade, John Yeark of Wards River Brigade, Sandra Clark of Pindimar/Tea Gardens and Ralph Clark of Pindimar/Tea Gardens.

Peter Economos of Pindimar/Tea Gardens and Manager Gloucester Great Lakes Jim Blackmore were awarded for their 31 and 32 years of service respectively.

“There aren’t too many organisations out there these days where you would still see that level of commitment. I applaud each and every one of them for their continued dedication,” Mr Bromhead said.

“These men and women are a special breed of people; selfless, brave and above all generous. You should all be very proud – as should your families.

“Our communities rely heavily on their services and these medals are our way of saying, on behalf of everyone in the district, thank you.”